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I did a radical thing when I finally upgraded from a really old iPhone 8 to a newer one: I didn't hardly install any apps on the new one. Mostly, I just wanted a fresh start, and it definitely was an adjustment b/c I had several time-waster games on there that were my go-to when I had some downtime. But after about two weeks of reflexively reaching for the phone to play some mindless game, I seem to have broken the habit and am finding that I'm happier and more productive without them. YMMV.
in reply to BrianKrebs

Peter Cohen
Peter Cohen
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I think *not* restoring apps on a new phone is something we should all do from time to time. You don’t realize how much cruft you have until it’s gone. Also was a good chance to discover new apps that fit my workflow better.
in reply to BrianKrebs

lemgandi
lemgandi
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No games on my phone, ever. Life is too short for that.
in reply to BrianKrebs

T2R
T2R
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I did the same with social media for the most part. Shuttered all of my other accounts except this one since I mostly use it for $dayjob osint stuff and I'm more detached from the goings on here.
in reply to BrianKrebs

Wayne Dixon
Wayne Dixon
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I only have one game that I play on my phone, but that’s because it’s a game I’ve been playing for over a decade and it doesn’t sync between devices. Other than that I don’t have many games on my phone
in reply to BrianKrebs

Sterling
Sterling
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Not to mention that all the apps (whether you use them or not) take up space and ultimately slow down your phone or tablet.
in reply to BrianKrebs

BrianKrebs
BrianKrebs
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Meanwhile, Apple's Arcade must be listening. The phone just reminded me that if I have a Netflix subscription I can download and play Grand Theft Auto on my phone. No f'n way! I would be so fscked.
in reply to BrianKrebs

Bill
Bill
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Play now before you get old and blind with fat fingers, like me.
in reply to BrianKrebs

Homebranch
Homebranch
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How’s that connected to Apple Arcade, do you recon? 🤔
Unknown parent

BrianKrebs
BrianKrebs
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@StephenTallentyre Because security and privacy are paramount for me and what I do for a living, and Apple's system in lockdown mode stops all kinds of shenanigans. Phones are designed to be tracking devices. I feel better about my ability to avoid those pitfalls on an iPhone than I do in Google's ecosystem.

Is Lockdown 100 percent compatible with all apps? No. Is it totally secure? No. Is it as secure as I can reasonably make it? Probably.

in reply to BrianKrebs

𝚂𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚗𝚘𝚗 𝙼𝚌𝙵𝚊𝚛𝚕𝚊𝚗𝚍 🌻 𝚜𝚑𝚎/𝚑𝚎𝚛
𝚂𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚗𝚘𝚗 𝙼𝚌𝙵𝚊𝚛𝚕𝚊𝚗𝚍 🌻 𝚜𝚑𝚎/𝚑𝚎𝚛
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yes! When I start feeling really overwhelmed/anxious, one of my first reactions now is to delete a bunch of apps off of my phone.

Both ones I use too much and ones I rarely use. Some get re-installed later, but only when I have a real need for them. Always helps clear my head on refocus on what's important.

in reply to BrianKrebs

BrianKrebs
BrianKrebs
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@StephenTallentyre Meant to add that there are definitely sunk costs involved. I've never used an Android phone for my personal phone. So...inertia?
Unknown parent

BrianKrebs
BrianKrebs
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@AtanasE Nice jam. I've never heard that song before. Thank you!
@Atanas
in reply to BrianKrebs

Bapanada
Bapanada
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When my iPhone 11 is no longer viable I plan to upgrade my smart watch and not replace the phone. The camera is probably all I will miss.
in reply to BrianKrebs

acm
acm
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I mean, "more productive" is just a different kind of trap. "can sit with my thoughts and/or daydream" seems like the goal to me!
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